The Lindsay Park team has decided the time is right to put blinkers on Seaburge for the first time in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude.

And the colt’s jockey Mark Zahra is hoping he stands up to be counted in the Group Three race with a view to the Caulfield Guineas two weeks later.

Trained by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig under the Lindsay Park banner, Seaburge runs in Saturday’s 1400m Prelude at Caulfield having finished fourth in the McNeil Stakes and fifth in a Listed 1400m race in his two starts this campaign.

Last season’s Group Two VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner has barrier eight in a capacity field of 16 plus two emergencies on Saturday.

Zahra is keen to ensure Seaburge has a trouble-free run after the colt was disappointed for a run early in the straight last start before finishing less than two lengths from the winner Detective.

Seaburge raced in winkers last time but has blinkers on for Saturday.

“I didn’t have a lot of luck the other day,” Zahra said.

“He looked a bit weak late but I just had no momentum on him, so he’s got to step up this run.

“Hopefully he has every chance and then we’ll see how he’s going.

“The jury is out but I think this is his time to run a good race.”

“Going towards the Guineas I just want to see him run really well on Saturday and then we know where we’re at for the Guineas.”

Zahra believes Seaburge is on a par with Melbourne’s best three-year-olds heading towards the Guineas but also admits the Sydney contingent look strong.

One-time favourite Astern will not go to the Guineas but other Sydney three-year-olds are high up in the Guineas market.

Divine Prophet, who runs in the Stan Fox Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday, is the Guineas favourite while another Stan Fox runner, Impending, is on the third line at $7 just behind New Zealander Sacred Elixir who makes his Melbourne debut in Saturday’s Prelude.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au